Fireplace Mega Deals

A fireplace insert is a special device that is designed to be installed within an existing fireplace. They are typically made from plate steel or cast iron and many can have self-cleaning glass doors. The doors, even when closed, allow the flames of the fire to be seen and enjoyed, making the fire more efficient. So if you enjoy using your fireplace but don’t like the associated energy costs, you might want to consider purchasing a fireplace insert.

Fireplace insert designs are fairly basic and they are categorised primarily by the fuel burned which can be natural gas, propane, wood, electric, pellet and coal. Be certain to get a fireplace insert that can handle the fuel you want to burn. The idea is to replace your existing fireplace opening with a unit that can handle hotter burning fuel. Wood burning fireplace inserts in particular are ideal if you want to keep the charm and ambience of a wood fireplace.

Many have state-of-the-art features such as fans and thermostatic controls depending on the fuel type. Typically air enters through vents below, circulates around the main chamber, heats up and then exits through vents on the top of the unit.

Before you install an insert for your fireplace, you should determine what type of insert will fit into the space that you are selecting and you should make sure that the space has the features needed to add the insert. When it comes to selecting an insert bear in mind that many fireplace insert makers will offer detailed assistance on choosing the right one and you should also think about any decorative or functional features that you want to include.

The key benefit to installing a fireplace insert is that the right insert can reduce your overall home heating bills if it is installed properly. A well designed fireplace insert does not suffer the traditional heat loss problems from which standard fireplaces typically suffer from, therefore an insert can help keep the house warm and contain the heat source.

Generally it is best to use a professional company to install your insert as the area has to be opened up, depending on the size and shape of the insert; it may even be necessary to make the opening larger or change the shape of the opening in order for it to fit. Once the insert is inside the opening, it is sealed to make sure that it stays in place then decorative features like stone, bricks, or marble around the fireplace opening can be added.

Installation should be completely straightforward. In the past, most installers placed inserts in the fireplace without any chimney connections but on wood burning fires this method could allow creosote to build up causing a potential fire hazard. Nowadays requires inserts are installed with a positive connection to the chimney, having a connector between the appliance outlet and the first section of the flue liner. This sends the smoke and gases up and out of the chimney more directly, so minimising any combustible deposits that condense in the fireplace.

Inserts may need to be removed when the chimney is being cleaned and maintained and because fireplace inserts are heavy and often awkward to handle their removal is often best left to a professional chimney sweep.

However, there are some that you do not have to remove to clean the chimney, they can stay in place during cleaning if you install a full relining system, a stainless steel pipe that connects to the insert and goes to the top of the chimney. It is considered that many fireplace insert installations will probably benefit from a full relining of the chimney in the long run; this is because the smaller pipe size will provide a better draft as well as an added margin of safety.

If you don’t like the look of modern inserts and prefer the idea of a period style fireplace you might to be better to invest in a reproduction Victorian or Edwardian style cast iron insert which are readily available in a wide range of styles from specialist suppliers. Simply look on the internet to find what appeals to you but do remember that in the long term what ever you decide on is going to be a long term fixture in your home – so do choose wisely.